Why the cyber market has become so crowded
January 31, 2019 by Greg MeckbachClients shopping for cyber insurance today can choose from among far more carriers than they could a few years ago, because it’s such a profitable line of business. However, one reason cyber is more profitable than other lines of coverage…
How your commercial clients are exposed to pot liability even if they don’t produce cannabis
January 25, 2019 by Greg MeckbachMarijuana poses a liability risk for commercial clients even if they are not in the cannabis business, an insurance lawyer suggests. Suppose your client operates a hotel where a party takes place. If someone smokes cannabis at that party, drives,…
The Co-operators acquires Quebec independent brokerage
January 4, 2019 by Jason ContantThe Co-operators announced Thursday it has purchased Quebec-based independent brokerage Assurances Madelein Inc., its 16th office in the province. The Laval, Que.-based brokerage’s portfolio includes personal and commercial insurance lines, as well as life, disability, health and mortgage insurance, and…
What small business owners think of private auto insurance in B.C.
December 11, 2018 by Jason ContantAs debate rages on in British Columbia over public versus private ridesharing insurance options, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has released new survey results that show nearly three of four small business owners support private auto insurance. CFIB…
Does CGL’s duty to defend apply to the insurance policy as a whole?
December 10, 2018 by Jason ContantAn insurer’s duty to defend under a provision in a commercial general liability (CGL) form is applicable to the insurance policy as a whole, the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta has ruled. In a decision released Friday, the court…
How many Canadians actually understand water damage coverage?
December 6, 2018 by Jason ContantOnly about half of Canadians polled by Canada’s third largest insurer understand what kind of water damage is covered by their insurance policy, providing an opportunity for brokers to educate clients on the coverage. “For insurance brokers and agents, understanding…
B.C. opposition bill looks to private insurers to fast-track ride-sharing
December 5, 2018 by Jason ContantThe Opposition BC Liberals have introduced a bill they say would bring ride-sharing to the province within three months and allow for private insurance coverage, re-igniting debate over public versus private coverage in British Columbia. The minority NDP government introduced…
Time to increase auto liability coverage: Lawyer
December 5, 2018 by Greg MeckbachOntario’s new government should require motorists to buy more liability coverage than is currently mandatory, a lawyer who represents claimants says. “I think everyone in the insurance industry would agree that $200,000 is far too low,” Joseph Campisi of Vaughan-based…
Why insurers urge caution on regulating condo deductibles
November 12, 2018 by Jason ContantThe government of Quebec should take a “wait-and-see” approach to define what is a reasonable or unreasonable deductible for condominium insurance, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) told Canadian Underwriter last week. The provincial finance ministry recently held a consultation…
How off-road vehicles impact commercial liability risk
November 1, 2018 by Greg MeckbachCommercial clients who allow off-road vehicles to be driven on their property could have insurance coverage gaps, a commercial lawyer warns. In Ontario, off-road vehicles are generally required to have liability insurance, but some types of machinery – such as…
Managing general agent launches three training programs
October 31, 2018 by Jason ContantManaging general agent APRIL Canada has launched APRIL University with three training programs and two more in the development stage. Essentials of pleasure craft insurance (1.5 RIBO hours), Ontario rentals & Airbnb market (1 RIBO hour) and insurance for general…
How rotating postal strikes are affecting these major insurers
October 23, 2018 by Jason ContantAfter much hand-wringing about the impact of a postal strike on the insurance industry, rotating strikes by Canada Post workers have seemed to have had little impact on major insurers. Aviva Canada told Canadian Underwriter Tuesday the immediate impact of…